James Tolley Obituary

James Randolph Tolley, born November 21, 1969, in Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on August 24, 2025. The youngest of five children born to Elvin Ford (Al) Tolley and Carolyn Buchanan Tolley, James arrived eight minutes after his twin brother, Joseph Charles. As the true baby of the family, he was our dear mother's favorite-a truth his siblings embraced with grace and laughter. James was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Elvin Ford (Al) Tolley and Carolyn Buchanan Tolley. He leaves behind his cherished twin brother, Joseph Charles Tolley (April), brother, Mark Tolley, sisters, Rebecca Tolley Dominick, and his Knight in Shining Armor, Elizabeth Carol Tolley. James also leaves a host of nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews, with special mention to Michael and Isabella Ebert, who will forever remain in his heart. As a proud graduate of Winthrop University with a degree in Political Science and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, James had a passion for history that brought the past to life in every conversation. An avid cyclist, he found joy riding along the Riverwalk in Columbia, South Carolina, where he felt most at peace in the beauty of the outdoors. Though James explored various career paths, including the study of law, collections training, and hospitality services, he found his true home at the Blue Marlin Restaurant in Columbia, South Carolina. The Blue Marlin was his home away from home, where he found his second family and his tribe, creating bonds that enriched his life and those around him. Details of a memorial service will be posted at a later date. James's light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who loved him.